A woman sought in connection with the death of her husband, a Massachusetts police officer, is believed to have been found dead, authorities announced Monday, characterizing the case as a tragic murder-suicide.

Police had been searching for Karen Solomon, 58, after her husband, 57-year-old Worcester Police Department Patrolman Kurt Solomon, was discovered deceased in a home last week. The investigation into his death, initially treated as suspicious, has now taken a grim turn.

Two individuals discovered a body in a wooded area in Worcester on Monday. Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier stated at a press briefing that upon examination, "we believe this person to be Karen Solomon." A handgun was located near the body, which is currently awaiting official identification. Police confirmed that no gunshots were reported in the vicinity on Monday, indicating the death likely did not occur on the day the body was found.

"We believe this case is a tragic murder-suicide that occurred, and we still have plenty of work to do as far as wrapping up all the pieces to this," Chief Saucier said. The discovery of the handgun near the body further supports the police department's preliminary assessment of the situation.

Officer Kurt Solomon, a 31-year veteran of the Worcester Police Department and a father of two, was found dead in his home on August 18. Police previously indicated that the injuries sustained by Officer Solomon were inflicted by a sharp object, and his service weapon was not missing from the scene.

An arrest warrant for Karen Solomon was issued on Friday, charging her with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury. The search for her intensified following this development, with authorities cautioning the public that she might be armed.

Karen Solomon was also known as the founder of First HELP, a non-profit organization dedicated to first responder suicide prevention. The organization aimed to support officers dealing with mental health challenges and raise awareness about suicide prevention for first responders and their families.

The Solomon family released a statement expressing their profound grief. "The nightmare of the past week has left our family heartbroken and rudderless," the statement read, acknowledging the compassion and dedication shown by the involved agencies. The family extended their gratitude for the efforts to find answers during their "darkness."